The Lakeville Journal Editorial

Even as things change in the world at large, it can remain very difficult for people to accept change in their community’s schools. There may be some vague hope that time can stand still inside the school walls that hold fond memories for those who look back at their school years, rather than being in the middle of them.

What hope is there for Housatonic Valley Regional High School to find a path forward that will make all those involved with it happy? That certainly includes administration, teachers, parents and alumni, but the ones who are most important are the students, right? All the rest of us can discuss ad infinitum what the problems are with the grading system, as well as the redefined structure for use of class time, but the most meaningful repercussions from the issues are felt strongly by the students.

It’s deflating when a respected public servant is revealed to have done something completely unworthy of respect. It is also surprising, despite the frequency with which it happens.

But, we are all human, and none of us can claim perfection. We all make mistakes and take action, or inaction, we come to regret. Those who are elected to public office, however, should understand that they have a responsibility to their constituents, to the taxpayers who support them, to hold themselves to a high standard of conduct.

Newspapers are not only struggling in many parts of the country because people don’t want to handle newsprint any more. Those who work for large city, national or international newspapers tend to have strong journalistic instincts and a sometimes grating but often productive lack of fear for those in power. This has gotten them into trouble with those powerful people many times and in many ways over the past decades. Yet still they provide a service that will not quite be filled by any other media if they disappear.

Local history holds different meanings for different people. For some, it’s a way to understand their own family histories and the way they fit into their communities. For others, it’s a way to see the larger picture of the place they now inhabit, looking for connections to the past and hoping therefore to better understand the present and future. And for some of us, remembering the past is remembering our own or our loved ones’ youth.

Speaking of reasons to be proud of our students at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, their production of “The King and I” March 15 through 17, presented by the Housatonic Musical Theatre Society, was performed before large and appreciative audiences made up of all age groups. Their enthusiasm, hard work and talent shone through, and gave everyone a gigantic boost during the end-of-winter doldrums.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed the medical marijuana program into law back in June 2012, after it was approved by the state Senate. As of this year, 29 states across the country have medical marijuana programs. According to Connecticut’s website on medical marijuana, residents can qualify for it here if they are suffering from one or more of 22 debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

The proposal to have an electric car charging station in North Canaan, presented at an Exchange Club meeting by Selectman Christian Allyn last month is one more reason to believe that this town is on its way to an economic resurgence. If a relationship between North Canaan and the electric car manufacturer Tesla, Inc. can become a reality, it will bring a whole new kind of traveler into town and give them the impetus to stop, obtain a great service they need and look around at a charming New England destination.